EXPLAINED: What scrapping the 6% Equalisation Levy could mean for Big Tech, India, and Domestic Media

One of the lesser-discussed ripple effects of the Equalisation Levy has been its role in nudging brands toward domestic alternatives. Rising costs and tax complexities have made Indian platforms more attractive than before, not just as fillers, but as strategic choices. (Image sourced from Moneycontrol)(Image sourced from Moneycontrol)

If the proposal is approved, foreign digital giants like Google and Meta who together account for nearly 65% of India’s Rs 50,000 crore digital advertising market stand to benefit indirectly, as advertisers would face lower overall costs when placing ads on their platforms.

SEBI mandates identity verification for intermediaries advertising on social media

By closely monitoring digital platforms, SEBI seeks to curb deceptive marketing practices that can cause significant financial harm. The regulator’s efforts are expected to make it more difficult for fraudulent operators to advertise schemes on major online platforms.

SEBI’s directive follows a surge in scams conducted via YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Telegram, and the Google Play Store, where scammers lure investors with false promises and deceptive content.

Government proposes removal of 6% equalisation levy on online ads

One of the lesser-discussed ripple effects of the Equalisation Levy has been its role in nudging brands toward domestic alternatives. Rising costs and tax complexities have made Indian platforms more attractive than before, not just as fillers, but as strategic choices. (Image sourced from Moneycontrol)(Image sourced from Moneycontrol)

Initially introduced under the Finance Act of 2016, the equalisation levy was applied to payments for online advertisement services and digital ad space.

ASCI report calls for responsible AI adoption in India’s evolving ad industry

The report explores four key areas to provide a comprehensive overview of AI's evolving role in the advertising landscape

The research was conducted by Parallel HQ, a design tech firm. In addition to being supported by Google and Games 24X7, the study is part of the thought leadership work at ASCI Academy which is supported by Diageo, Hindustan Unilever, Mondelez, Nestle, Cipla Health, Coca-Cola, Colgate, PepsiCo, P&G, Kenvue, Bajaj Auto, and Dream Sports.

PVR Inox to broadcast IPL 2025 matches live across cinemas nationwide

This initiative, launched in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), began on March 22 with the IPL's grand opening ceremony, followed by weekend matches and playoffs.

Exclusive collaboration with BCCI brings the IPL action to the big screen, enhancing the fan experience with premium cinema settings.

Creativeland Asia vs WinZO: RMG firm told to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs 50 lakhs

Creativeland Advertising claimed that in February 2025, WinZO Games unexpectedly terminated discussions, opting to work with a different creative team and offering Rs. 10 lakhs as compensation for the tagline.

Storyboard18 had first reported the legal battle on March 5, titled “Creativeland Asia Takes WinZO to Court, Cries Foul Over Misuse of Creative Idea.”

Indian digital advertising industry to grow at a CAGR of 19.09%: Dentsu India

The key trends influencing the MarTech sector include the increasing role of artificial intelligence in personalised marketing and the strategic importance of first-party data in a future where third-party cookies are becoming obsolete. (Image Source: Unsplash)

E-commerce and digital retail are major contributors, with MarTech tools enhancing customer experiences through AI-driven personalization and advanced analytics, highlighted Dentsu India’s ‘Martech Landscape in India’ report.